Skills and capabilities for Australian enterprise innovation
It is widely accepted that Australia needs an innovative, flexible and creative workforce with the capabilities to enable the country to maximise its opportunities.
In June 2012 the Australian Government announced Securing Australia’s Future, a $10 million investment in a series of strategic research programs delivered to the Australian Chief Scientist and the Commonwealth Science Council (previous to October 2014, the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, PMSEIC).
Securing Australia’s Future was a response to global and national changes and the opportunities and challenges of an economy in transition. Productivity and economic growth will result from: an increased understanding in how to best stimulate and support creativity, innovation and adaptability; an education system that values the pursuit of knowledge across all domains, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and an increased willingness to support change through effective risk management.
It is widely accepted that Australia needs an innovative, flexible and creative workforce with the capabilities to enable the country to maximise its opportunities.
ACOLA conducted a review to collate findings from each of the twelve SAF projects and combined these into a summary report. It also sought to create a book which examined the body of research conducted through the SAF program and drew out common themes that had emerged through each of the individual projects.
A review of Australia’s research training system, to ensure that it meets the country’s research needs in the 21st-century.
Establishing proper policy foundations, combined with public support and effective leadership, will better place Australia on a trajectory for national well-being.
The depth of Australia’s linguistic and inter-cultural competence will be a determining factor in the future success of developments in innovation, science and technology, research capacity, international mobility, trade relations and economic competitiveness.
A vibrant capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is pivotal to increasing our nation’s productivity.